ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the suspension of community-based dementia services worldwide, where evidence-based interventions for dementia, like Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), were delivered. Treatment access is paramount during the pandemic and beyond for people with dementia to maintain functioning and well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual, 14-session program of Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (V-iCST) in the UK. Method(s): A single-blind feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in the UK. Thirty-four people with mild to moderate dementia were recruited from dementia organizations and networks. Seventeen were randomly assigned to receive V-iCST (14, 45-min sessions) and 17 to treatment as usual (TAU) over seven weeks. Feasibility and acceptability data, for example, recruitment, attrition, attendance, adverse effects, and fidelity, were collected. Outcome measures on cognitive function, quality of life (QoL), mood, and communication were collected pre and post-test. Analysis of covariance was used to compare changes in V-iCST and TAU. Result(s): We have successfully completed recruitment. Results on feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy will be available at the conference. Conclusion(s): We hypothesize that V-iCST is feasible and acceptable and will have positive effects on cognitive, QoL, mood, and communication. Findings will be available at the conference. Copyright © 2022 the Alzheimer's Association.
ABSTRACT
Digitalization is not only blurring boundaries between the real world and virtual space, but, since COVID-19, it has also made the traditional fashion industry less reliant on physical materials. In this context, digital fashion and virtual design have emerged. Although China has started to digitally distribute cultural products based on the digitization of museums, there is still a gap in the field of digital fashion. In order to achieve the sustainable development of Chinese traditional costume culture and explore the Sinicization of digital fashion, this article proposes to transfer Chinese traditional costumes into a series of digitalized commodities, serving as computer game skins for online sales. This research involved the construction of a hypothetical model based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), including perceived usefulness, purchase price perceptions, perceived playfulness, cultural elements authenticity, satisfaction, and purchase intention through the related literature. In total, the survey data of 219 Chinese game players were collected, and a structural equation model (SEM) was constructed to verify these research hypotheses. The results showed that perceived playfulness and cultural elements authenticity had a positive effect on the players' satisfaction and purchase intentions, whereas perceived usefulness had a negative influence on the players' satisfaction and purchase intentions. In addition, purchase price perceptions had no significant negative effect on the players' satisfaction or their purchase intentions. Overall, this study contributes to the co-development of digital fashion and traditional costume culture in China, as well as the improvement of product design and marketing management for game companies.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, services of our hospital were suspended. We launched a tele-rehabilitation programme to provide four core occupational therapy services: home assessment and modification, assistive device prescription and usage review, activities of daily living and cognitive assessment and home programme, and carer skills assessment and education. Methods: All patients in our hospital were contacted through phone calls and mobile applications. They were assessed before and after the programme using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong Version, the Modified Barthel Index, and the Lawton Instrumental Activity of Daily Living. Satisfaction of service users to tele-rehabilitation was also assessed. Results: From March to June 2020, 139 patients received tele-rehabilitation and 109 of them completed full evaluation. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong KongVersion score increased from 16.9 to 17.8 (p<0.001);the Modified Barthel Index increased from 74.4 to 78.7 (p<0.001);and the Lawton Instrumental Activity of Daily Living score increased from 3.1 to 3.4 (p<0.001). 135 service users completed the service satisfaction survey. 64% agreed that the tele-rehabilitation improved or sustained their self-care ability. 62% agreed that the service helped fall prevention and home safety. 96% agreed that tele-rehabilitation should be integrated into routine services in future, including a home programme, home safety screening, assistive device prescription, and follow-up evaluations. 61 of service users were caregivers;33% of them agreed that their caring stress was alleviated. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic speeds up the application of tele-rehabilitation in our hospital. Occupational therapists gain experience of this mode of service. Early screening and early intervention is an advantage of the programme. Tele-rehabilitation can play a supplementary role in conventional practice.
ABSTRACT
Aims: The covid-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to medical training and education. Clinical guidelines are an important resource especially for redeployed healthcare professionals (HCPs) to manage diabetes emergencies. Our aim is to understand how non-specialist HCPs prefer the diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyper-glycaemic state (HHS) guidelines to be presented to improve accessibility and adherence. Methods: An online survey was conducted in January 2021, using a QR code to access the survey via digital platforms including email, posters and MS teams. Results: Among the 101 responders, 42% were core-medical or trust-grade doctors, 22% foundation year 1 doctors, 17% higher specialty trainees and the remainder nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists and consultants. Despite online access to national-based trust diabetes guidelines, only 17% of surveyed HCPs were confident in prescribing and administering treatment for DKA or HHS. 92% responders had managed DKA or HHS more than once in the last 6 months. Despite the majority (88%) knowing where to access the current guidelines, only 13% of prescribing responders followed the guideline in prescribing regular basal insulin with fixed-rate intravenous insulin infusion. 88% preferred a pre-printed proforma of the guideline with examples of model prescriptions. Most useful features rated were flowcharts (76%), checklists (72%), criteria for escalation (62%) and model prescriptions (58%). Guidance on fluid management, especially in renal and heart failure, was most frequently requested. Conclusions: An online survey with QR code access has facilitated a good response and has allowed diabetes emergency guidelines to be tailored to the needs of non-specialists during the covid-19 pandemic.